Hakone-en Aquarium (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Hakone-en Aquarium?
What makes it 72% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free, strollers are free to borrow, and diaper stations are inside restrooms, but the only nursing room requires stairs and no hot water nearby, so caregivers face some inconvenience.
Positives:
- Baby-friendly entry: Children under 4 enter free, saving on ticket costs.
- On-site stroller rental: Free baby strollers help you move comfortably without extra gear.
- Quiet layout: Wide walkways and low crowd levels make it easy to manage a stroller.
Challenges:
- Nursing room access: The nursing room is upstairs in the shopping plaza and has no elevator.
- No hot water on-site: Bring pre-mixed bottles or use hot water at the nearby bakery.
- Fixed show times: Seal and underwater shows run at set times; plan around these slots.
What is Hakone-en Aquarium?
- An aquarium perched at 723 meters above sea level, holding the distinction of Japan’s highest-altitude saltwater exhibition
- A vibrant collection of 32,000 specimens across 450 species, showcasing sharks, emperor penguins and king crabs alongside electric eels, piranhas and Lake Ashinoko freshwater fish
- A seal hall featuring Baikal seals and a variety of freshwater turtles in an outdoor pool setting
What is so special about Hakone-en Aquarium for with baby?
- Free entry for babies under 4
- Three themed areas: seawater, freshwater, seals
- Short, engaging shows that suit all ages
- Baby facilities: stroller rental, nursing room, changing stations
- Compact layout ideal for a relaxed family visit
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: The compact exhibits and two short shows fit comfortably into a relaxed visit with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Hakone-en Aquarium
Explore the Seawater Pavilion:
See sharks, rays and emperor penguins in Japan’s highest-altitude saltwater tanks.
Tip: Use the bench platforms for a stable view with your baby.
Discover Freshwater Species:
Watch piranhas, electric eels and local Lake Ashi fish in the freshwater hall.
Tip: Stop by the low tank edges so your baby can peer in safely.
Catch the Baikal Seal Show:
Enjoy seals rolling, waving and chasing balls in a 15-minute performance.
Tip: Arrive 10–15 minutes early to secure a front-row spot with stroller space.
Use Baby Stroller Rental:
Borrow a free stroller at the entrance to move easily through exhibits.
Tip: Pick up the stroller before starting your tour to avoid carrying your baby.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hakone-en Aquarium
- Time your visit: Plan to arrive 15 minutes before shows to get good viewing spots.
- Store bulky items: Use coin lockers at the entrance to keep walkways clear for your stroller.
- Visit on weekdays: Weekdays are quieter, giving more space for a baby and stroller.
Reviews of Hakone-en Aquarium
Rebecca Koh
Highly recommended experience. The seal feeding is once in a lifetime. 800 yen per pax and there are only 15 slots each time.
AbareSaru AbareSaru
It’s a very small aquarium and you can see it all in about 30 mins. But it does have a good range of fish and some seals. Warning: if you are using the Hakone Free Pass. There’s only one bus every hour and we got stranded as the bus was full and wouldn’t let anyone one. There’s response to well how do we get back was: get a taxi.
Sudershan Singh Gusain
Small aquarium at the base of ropeway. Hundreds of types of fishes, Tiger fish, clown fish, crabs, salamander, jelly fish, turtle, and may sea creatures. There is a seal show around 15 mins. Beautiful scenery all around. There is a small shopping store with hundreds of souvenirs to take back including wooden carved paintings and special lock puzzle and candies. Small Due to high winds, ropeway may...
Jun Mao Tan
It's a decent small aquarium, however you can feel it's age as the aquarium definitely needs some renovation to look more modern. Price is ok, it's about 1000yen for entry so there is nothing much to complain about it. If you have gone to other Japanese aquarium this will feel small. Overall still worth seeing their seals and baby otters which are newborns and worth coming down to see them.
Yui Amano
Our kids had great time there. But the parking fee was too expensive! When we went here last year, the parking fee was free... Anyway, the aquarium has two buildings. And the new animals "otters" were so cute. I felt their space was too small for them. But my kids were so happy to see them. They have a few show events everyday and you can enjoy. Please check their show schedules before you go!
When is the best time to visit Hakone-en Aquarium (Hakone, Japan)?
On clear days, combine with the Komagatake Cable Car for Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji views. In rainy weather, the indoor aquarium is a perfect dry activity.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (¥1,500 each ×2) | JPY 3,000 |
| Coin locker | JPY 100 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Hakone-en Aquarium
Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
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About Hakone-en Aquarium
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 460-83-1151Explore Popular Things to Do
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